Eric Newell is the President, CEO and Board Chair at Syncrude. During Eric's tenure at Syncrude, he was successful at launching one of the first workplace literacy programs. Eric has been the Honorary Chair of CFL for many years and has been actively involved in various CFL programs along with Wine & Words and the Golf Tournament. Eric worked on the development of the Workforce Skills Project and he was a major contributor for the financial needs of the pilot project.

M'Mah Toure, originally from Guinea, moved to Canada five years ago. Balancing work and family, she struggled to learn English. Through the CFL Adult Tutor program, she gained confidence and overcame language barriers. Now, M'mah fills out forms independently, reads to her children, and processes information more efficiently. Her improved communication skills have amazed family, friends, and coworkers, who describe her as a transformed person. In 2023, she aced her Class 7 learner's exam and passed the Canadian citizenship test, achieving goals she once only dreamed of!

Ashley, a mother of three young girls, found her true calling in motherhood. Reflecting on her own childhood struggles with reading and literacy, she is dedicated to nurturing her children's literacy skills through family programs. Parenting during the pandemic, while also dealing with Postpartum Depression, was daunting for Ashley. However, attending online Rhymes that Bind classes provided a supportive community and an opportunity for her to uplift fellow parents. In 2021, Ashley sought professional help for her mental health while expecting her third child. Her dreams revolve around instilling a love for reading, writing and storytelling in her children.